Counter

Ever wonder about all the fuss surrounding a good glass of wine? Want to pair it with some excellent vegetarian dishes? Then look no further than Counter. An organic wine & martini bar rolled into this East Village vegetarian bistro, this place serves not only top quality but also environmentally friendly wines and food. I know, I know, you’re tired of everybody jumping on the “Green Movement” bandwagon just because it’s fashionable. But it’s different at Counter because a lot of extra effort goes into bringing that eco-conscious glass of wine and impeccable entree to your table.

Owner Debra Gavito and her daughter Raphaella only acquire organic, biodynamic, and sustainable vintages produced under rigorous guidelines. It may cost a bit more but it helps to know that the grapes were raised pesticide-free using recycled rainwater. And it tastes all the better while munching their out-of- this-world Italian Farmhouse Panini made with Walnut-lentil pâté, plum tomato, rosemary aïoli laden on a crunchy rustic Italian ciabatta.

Chances are some of the seasonal vegetables you are eating like the fresh arugula, herbs, and heirloom tomato slices have just been picked from their rooftop garden. Five stories above the urban concrete and brick, their kitchen garden consists of 54 pine boxes filled with composted earth set against a backdrop of turn of the century tenement housing. If you’re extra well behaved, they may let you climb the 14 foot metal ladder from the top floor to check it out.

Comments

I love Counter; this is a great restaurant here in NYC; great post. I’m looking forward to meeting you on Friday in San Fran for the Foodbuzz Festival…I can’t wait! Keep up the great blogging…I love following your daily posts!

Thanks so much Amie! I’m checking out your postings on thehealthyapple.com and love the piece on eggs. I always wondered what the real difference was between brown, white, etc. See you in SF…so many tastings lined up!